Puzzle Pieces

We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully. Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

I am what you would call mostly an 'indoor girl.' Not that I mind going outside; I just happen to be terribly un-athletic, which is an indispensable prerequisite for most outside activities. Making my limbs move in a carefully constructed and almost symphonic way, like when you throw a ball, is impossible at worst and inconsistent at best for me. There are a few outside activities I do like, but those typically involve chlorine and cement. I am more the sit-inside-and-read type. I especially like rainy days, which serve to absolve any guilt concerning not going outside.

However, there is one sport I absolutely fell in love with when we played it in high school gym. (I never thought I'd use those two concepts, love and gym, in the same sentence!) Field hockey involved the cutthroat competitiveness, pardonable brutality and lack of skating ability that meshed with my personality seamlessly. Finesse was not part of the game, at least at that level. I remember scoring two goals in one game! This came from the girl who scored only two points when, in the same class, we had to attempt one hundred free throws. When we played field hockey, I flourished. I had found something I loved to do, within a situation (gym requirement) that I dreaded.

Spiritually, we all have gifts; hidden (sometimes) things that we chance upon and find we are naturally bent to do. In the past several years, I have discovered and cultivated some of the gifts I am blessed to have. It is easy, as with most blessings, to compare ours to others. Why can't I be athletic? It doesn't matter and stewing about it won't help. Why can't I be a dynamic personality that people are naturally drawn to? Same thing, it doesn't matter. Teaching adults? I would have written that off as quickly as I did field hockey, before I got a chance (or was forced) to try it out. Reluctantly, I found both are something I like to do and would like to pursue further. Reading, writing, acquiring knowledge, even cooking are gifts that I can use to further Christ's kingdom. Not all seem spiritually-minded, but all can be used as such. Sharing what you have with those around you is a basic call we Christians all have. God has gifted us differently, though, so we can all be used as a piece in His puzzle. Even something as simple as encouraging or showing mercy is a lofty pursuit and considered a gift in God's eyes. I was recently blessed by a woman who has a natural penchant for encouragement. She made my week with the things she said. All it took was a minute of her time, and she gave me an incredible boost.

So, whatever you are good at, do it. Go for it completely unreserved. Do it as to the Lord. If He made you a server or an encourager or a cleaner or a voracious hockey player, make your piece of the puzzle count.

God, reveal to me the gifts I need to nurture in myself. Enable me to encourage those around me and to help them become the people You designed them to be. Amen

Nikki Hamsher